What is the primary goal of reconstruction? Reunification, punishment, civil rights, other? (Thesis)
The ideal form of a country is when the citizens set aside their differences and come together to solve problems for the greater good of the nation. However, is this possible with such different, extreme beliefs? The southern white supremacists refuse to accept freedmen into the country when they should be considered just as much citizens as white people. Therefore, they should start receiving the rights that white people recieve. The primary goal of reconstruction should be giving civil rights to everyone that lives in the union. It would be great if we could restore the union as well, but if the South resists change and denies civil rights, they will not be let back in the union.
What should be done to the ex-Confederates? The disloyal ex-Confederates should be taxed if they would like to be accepted back into the union. The tax can be in the form of money or in the form of time. As in the ex-confederates can perform services for the union whether it be to pick up trash, to build houses for freedmen, or to sit in on civil rights meetings. They need to pay the price for fighting against their own country and when they participate in civil rights meetings, that can give them the mindset that they still have some opportunity to choose which laws to apply in their country. They could even take propaganda classes to influence them to accept the freedmen into society and accept that times are changing. What should be done for the freedmen?
The freedmen should be just that, free men and women. They should be welcomed into the union just like other citizens. Of course this can and will cause controversy amongst the white supremacists but they just have to deal with it because they’re idiots and needa realize it doesn’t matter what your skin tone is-you should be accepted into the country just the same. Anyways, there can be military soldiers protecting the freedmen as they settle into society. The money from the tax put on the ex-confederates can be given to the freedmen bureau in order to help the freedmen merge into society.
Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?
Everyone. The black population needs representation as well, and assuming they will want to elect blacks into office, blacks should be able to hold office. In order for the average person’s opinion to be represented in building a successful nation, there must be people of all views incorporated. I think the whole issue with getting women voting rights should be saved for after the reconstruction period is over and the chaos over civil rights has settled. We don't want to get too extreme and push away the South even more.
What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?
In the South, each state needs to agree to having a representative for the African American population, and they must agree to give the federal government the right to control education in the states; this way, equality can be incorporated into the education system to help prevent racism in the following generations. Each state must also agree to accept and follow the 13th amendment.
How should the Southern economy be restored?
The north should focus less on building the transcontinental railroad and more on restoring the overall economy of the nation, starting with the South. To balance out the loss of cotton production as those former workers are now freedmen, the South needs more industry rather than just farming and production. These new industrial businesses will provide work opportunities for everyone in the South, including the new freedmen. This will make the North less dependent on the Southern staple crops, as well as pay the African Americans wages so that they have enough to stay on their feet financially in their new towns. The employment of all the men will also boost the economy and the budget of the government will be bigger so that they can eventually build the transcontinental railroad.
What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South?
In order for the southern states to follow “orders,” there needs to be a sense of policing performed by the union troops. The troops can help keep a sense of structure so that there aren’t as many radicals running around doing whatever they want. However, the troops should also do their part in rebuilding the south as well-they can solve the needs of the southerners and the freedmen. The troops should also make sure the local police force is not corrupt and will protect african americans in the same way they would protect whites; if a racist sheriff allows violence against blacks, the Union troops should have the power to appoint a new one.
Re-state the primary goal of reconstruction. (Thesis re-stated)
Prepare a response to an "opposition" group. In your response you will need to point out the flaws and weaknesses and/or the strengths of their plan. The day after we present, be sure to upload your response at the bottom of their page. You will also need to be ready to challenge their plan in class, as their group presents.
What is the primary goal of reconstruction? Reunification, punishment, civil rights, other? (Thesis)
The ideal form of a country is when the citizens set aside their differences and come together to solve problems for the greater good of the nation. However, is this possible with such different, extreme beliefs? The southern white supremacists refuse to accept freedmen into the country when they should be considered just as much citizens as white people. Therefore, they should start receiving the rights that white people recieve. The primary goal of reconstruction should be giving civil rights to everyone that lives in the union. It would be great if we could restore the union as well, but if the South resists change and denies civil rights, they will not be let back in the union.
What should be done to the ex-Confederates?
The disloyal ex-Confederates should be taxed if they would like to be accepted back into the union. The tax can be in the form of money or in the form of time. As in the ex-confederates can perform services for the union whether it be to pick up trash, to build houses for freedmen, or to sit in on civil rights meetings. They need to pay the price for fighting against their own country and when they participate in civil rights meetings, that can give them the mindset that they still have some opportunity to choose which laws to apply in their country. They could even take propaganda classes to influence them to accept the freedmen into society and accept that times are changing.
What should be done for the freedmen?
The freedmen should be just that, free men and women. They should be welcomed into the union just like other citizens. Of course this can and will cause controversy amongst the white supremacists but they just have to deal with it because they’re idiots and needa realize it doesn’t matter what your skin tone is-you should be accepted into the country just the same. Anyways, there can be military soldiers protecting the freedmen as they settle into society. The money from the tax put on the ex-confederates can be given to the freedmen bureau in order to help the freedmen merge into society.
Who should be able to vote and hold office in the new Southern state governments?
Everyone. The black population needs representation as well, and assuming they will want to elect blacks into office, blacks should be able to hold office. In order for the average person’s opinion to be represented in building a successful nation, there must be people of all views incorporated. I think the whole issue with getting women voting rights should be saved for after the reconstruction period is over and the chaos over civil rights has settled. We don't want to get too extreme and push away the South even more.
What requirements must be met before states regain full rights and representation?
In the South, each state needs to agree to having a representative for the African American population, and they must agree to give the federal government the right to control education in the states; this way, equality can be incorporated into the education system to help prevent racism in the following generations. Each state must also agree to accept and follow the 13th amendment.
How should the Southern economy be restored?
The north should focus less on building the transcontinental railroad and more on restoring the overall economy of the nation, starting with the South. To balance out the loss of cotton production as those former workers are now freedmen, the South needs more industry rather than just farming and production. These new industrial businesses will provide work opportunities for everyone in the South, including the new freedmen. This will make the North less dependent on the Southern staple crops, as well as pay the African Americans wages so that they have enough to stay on their feet financially in their new towns. The employment of all the men will also boost the economy and the budget of the government will be bigger so that they can eventually build the transcontinental railroad.
What role should Union troops play in policing, governing, or rebuilding the South?
In order for the southern states to follow “orders,” there needs to be a sense of policing performed by the union troops. The troops can help keep a sense of structure so that there aren’t as many radicals running around doing whatever they want. However, the troops should also do their part in rebuilding the south as well-they can solve the needs of the southerners and the freedmen. The troops should also make sure the local police force is not corrupt and will protect african americans in the same way they would protect whites; if a racist sheriff allows violence against blacks, the Union troops should have the power to appoint a new one.
Re-state the primary goal of reconstruction. (Thesis re-stated)
Prepare a response to an "opposition" group. In your response you will need to point out the flaws and weaknesses and/or the strengths of their plan. The day after we present, be sure to upload your response at the bottom of their page. You will also need to be ready to challenge their plan in class, as their group presents.